Contact: Sunny Mindel/Brenda Pérez (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced that $2.5 million has been earmarked for the New York Botanical Garden in the FY 00 capital budget. The funds will be applied to the exterior restoration of the Botanical Garden's Museum and the interior renovation of its exhibition halls and continuing education facilities. The Garden is in the midst of a multi-million-dollar program of capital construction and improvements to enhance visitor attractions, emphasize botanical research and horticultural displays, and achieve long-term financial stability.
The Mayor was joined for the City Hall announcement by Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Planning Randy Levine; Gregory Long, President of the New York Botanical Garden; and Thomas J. Hubbard, Chairman of the Board of the New York Botanical Garden.
"The New York Botanical Garden is one of the jewels of our City," the Mayor said. "I am very pleased that the City can help support the restoration of these 250 acres of incredible beauty and entertainment facilities. I encourage all New Yorkers to visit the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx and enjoy all the wonderful features it has to offer."
Gregory Long, President of the New York Botanical Garden, said, "We're delighted that the Mayor is investing in the development of the cultural assets of New York City. City funds are an essential component in the restoration of the New York Botanical Garden's Museum Building, now a century old. This new grant will help fund the restoration of the building site and the landscape surrounding it, and begins the funding for future classrooms and exhibit space in the restored building. The Administration is also helping with major funding for the restoration of the exterior of the building. With this ongoing support, a turn-of-the-century treasure will be restored as a great public space to educate the next century's visitors to the Garden about the wonders of the plant world."
Thomas J. Hubbard, Chairman of the Board of the New York Botanical Garden, said, "The New York Botanical Garden is one of the cultural gems of New York. I am pleased that the Mayor, with his continuing support of the restoration of the Garden's Museum Building, has contributed to the success of one of the world's finest cultural, educational, and scientific institutions."
The current New York Botanical Garden Museum Building project involves the restoration of all exterior elements of the building, including the copper dome, roof, masonry façade, windows, doors, and the magnificent granite steps at the main entrance.